Reviewer: Dan Howarth, special projects editor
Model tested: Audo Knitting Chair
The details: Copenhagen-based Audo (formerly known as Menu) is one of the major Scandinavian design brands that sells both contemporary designs and midcentury “icons.” Known for its minimal, neutral-toned furniture, lighting, and interior objects that play perfectly into the popular Japandi style, the brand frequently collaborates with Nordic architects and designers including Note Design Studio, Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen, and Norm Architects (who also serve as its creative directors), as well as international talents like Gabriel Tan and Torafu Architects. Audo also recently debuted a collection with stylist-of-the-moment Colin King. Among the brand’s most recognizable pieces, the knitting chair was developed in 1951 by Danish Modernist, Ib Kofod-Larsen, as a limited edition, and relaunched by Audo in 2018—the same year the company opened its Tribeca showroom. Updates to the low-slung accent chair included new wooden frame finishes—natural oak, dark-stained oak or walnut—and a variety of upholstery options, including a popular sheepskin. Audo products are also available in the US through Design Within Reach.
Before delivery
Price: How much does it cost? Are there payment plans available?
This chair is not cheap. Depending on the frame finish and upholstery, it will set you back between $3,650 and $5,635 (the sheepskin/walnut edition being the most expensive) if purchased directly from Audo. Financing plans are available through Design Within Reach via Affirm.
What are the upholstery or customization options? Did you choose any? (are there free swatch options available?)
The knitting chair is available in three frame finishes: natural oak, dark-stained oak, or walnut. Audo currently lists four upholstery options on its website, plus the sheepskin in three colors, which can each supposedly be mixed and matched with the frame types, although several of the combinations are currently either sold out or unavailable. I tested a version with the walnut base, and 100 (cream) Hallingdal upholstery that’s no longer listed on Audo’s site. Audo does offer customization for upholstery, with a wide brand-approved selection, and the option to use the customer’s own fabric. Any customization will extend lead times, however.
What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery?
Audo’s website says that the chair options which are available are ready to ship in seven weeks after ordering. Shipping could then take up to another week. Design Within Reach states that the chair will reach you within 12 weeks of ordering.
After delivery
What are the dimensions? How does it fit in your space? Would it be better suited for a different type of home?
The chair weighs about 24.3 pounds and measures in at 35.7″H x 28.1″W x 26.3″L, with the seat coming to 11.8″.
As elegant as it is, this is not the chair for a compact West Village prewar apartment. It really spreads itself out, and takes up much more room than you’d think from the images. It left me severely lacking in open floor space once placed in my living room. It arrived fully assembled, and barely fit through my building corridor, apartment door, and internal corridor. A large loft apartment would be a much more appropriate setting, to give it some breathing room and so the design can be appreciated from all angles (since it’s just as beautiful from the back).
